Track Season is Back! 2015 Preview Part 1

 



Welcome back to all you crazy track heads. In attempt to explain my long-term absence I will only let you know that I took a break to simply re-charge and emphasize that this blog will solely focus on track and field in the collegiate realm. There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon for the sport of collegiate track and field. With this season comes a World Championships and makes every performance that more important. Let us come together and preview what should be an outstanding season both indoor and out. This is part 1 and will focus solely on the sprints.


SPRINTS

I really enjoy the sprinting events within this sport which is the reason why I generally start off with them in majority of posts. This season that will continue but I do promise to mix things up throughout the season.

There are plenty of great champions returning in the sprints at both the national and conference level. In the 60 meter dash Remona Burchell of  Alabama by way of Jamaica returns as the defending champion. Burchell blasted onto the scene at the end of the indoor season last year by running her best race at the championship meet with a time 7.11. Burchell hadn't won the SEC Indoor title and was only considered a dark horse behind favorite Dezerea Bryant of Kentucky. Both are expected to light it up this season on the women's side. Byrant is also the defending champion at 200 meters.

In the long sprints the University of Texas again proves to be the premier program at recruiting and developing for the 400. After Beverly Kearney resigned many expected for the program to falter. That was until Olympian Tonja Buford Bailey was hired on as the women' sprints and hurdles coach and may have taken the program to an even higher level. The Longhorns have two returning champions. The 2013 400 meter champion in Ashley Spencer and the 2014 400 meter champion Courtney Okolo, both outdoors. Also in the mix is 2014 World Junior Champion Kendall Baisden. It is totally possible for the Longhorns to sweep this event this season.

On the men's side a lot veteran talent returns and also a infusion of new talent. There is no defending champion returning in any of the short sprints however there are some big names returning. The biggest name perhaps is Cameron Burrell. Burrell was a freshman sensation last year. Burrell held onto the top mark in the 60 meter dash for a while with a time of 6.55. He in my opinion is the favorite to win the event. His toughest competition may come from two stud freshman in Kendal Willis and Trentavis  Friday of Florida State. Florida State has a long history of success in the 60 and 100 meter events.

In the long sprints it is clear that the battle is between Florida and Texas A&M. Both have returning champions from the outdoor season and have consistently produced some of the best 4x400 relays in collegiate history. In the 200 senior Dedric Dukes of Florida returns as the only sub 20 second performer from last season. Dukes aides both sprint relays and has shown to be a complete well rounded sprinter. Deon Lendore of Texas A&M and also a sprinter has been a dominate force in this event since his arrival and is a huge part of his teams national title hopes like Dukes for Florida. Both will face strong competition from the other's school. Shavez Hart for Texas A&M in the 200 and Arman Hall from Florida in the 400. Bbth  Dukes and Lendore will have careers following college and possibly be competitng for medals this coming summer at the World Championships.

On the women's side in the 4x400 relay it's Texas and everybody else. Even after losing the defending 2013 NCAA Champion in the 400 meters the Lady Longhorns were still able to run one of the fastest times every ran in NCAA history. All that talent returns a year older and wiser. Florida and Texas A&M will continue to be challengers but may not have enough sufficient talent to compete.

On the men's side in the 4x400 relay it will be Texas A&M and Florida all over again. Both programs went under 3 minutes last season and will continue to electrify again this season. The nod goes to Florida since they are returning every piece of the relay from last season and hope to include a healthy Arman Hall. LSU will continue to be apart of the upper echelon of this group since they surprised both programs last indoor season and won the 2014 NCAA Indoor crown in this event. I expect another national record in this event.

NCAA Championship Part 1 Men's Review

(Oregon Ducks Men's National Champs)

This past weekend fans of collegiate track and field were treated to a phenomenal championship meet hosted by the University of Oregon. A packed house was on hand to see if the Oregon men and women could complete a championship sweep. The number 1 ranked men’s team lived up to the height winning with a total of 88 points.

For the Oregon men things began as they always do with their dynamic distance core. Freshman Edward Cheserek was the first NCAA Champion with a time of 28:30.18 in the men’s 10,000 meter race defeating Kennedy Kithuka of Texas Tech. Cheserek would continue his success finishing second in the men’s 5,000 behind Lawi Lalang of Arizona. Cheserek led a 2-3-4 charge for Oregon who scored a total of 34 points between the two events.

The only challenger to Oregon was the University of Florida. Heading into the championship meet the Gators have either won or finished 2^nd at the past 5 NCAA Outdoor Championships dating back to 2009. At their last national championship the Gators did not compete with the same intensity or fire that they normally do. However at this meet they would and competed very well. While Oregon dominated the distance events Florida was strong in the sprints and jumps.

Junior Marquis Dendy has not performed to his usual level the past two outdoor seasons either due to injury or foul trouble. This season he has had to deal with injuries but would not let that hold him back. He began by winning the men’s Long jump in cold windy conditions. Dendy was the only athlete over 26 feet with a winning mark of 26-3 earning him a legal qualifying mark for USATF Nationals. Dendy followed that performance by winning the Triple Jump two days later with a wind-aided mark of 55-11 ¼. His mark in the triple jump was just shy of two feet further than his closes competitor. Dendy added 20 valuable team points to the Gators who finished 2^nd overall with 70 points.

(Marquis Dendy)

In the sprints Dedric Dukes led the way for the Gators. Dukes, the only NCAA athlete to break 20 seconds in the 200 meter dash again broke the 20 second barrier with a time of 19.91 in barely wind-aided race. Dukes also anchored the winning 4x100 relay with a time of 38.73 over Texas A&M. The Gators scored 1 point in the men’s 100 dash with sophomore Antwan Wright finishing 8^th and 5 points in the 400 with Najee Glass in 5^th and Hugh Graham Jr in 8^th. Senior Eddie Lovett added another 4 points in the 110 hurdles.

(Dedric Dukes)

Oregon had some help in the sprints and hurdles from senior Eric Berry who finished 2^nd in the 400 and true freshman Devon Allen who won the 110 high hurdles in school and Pac 12 record time of 13.16. Allen surpassed Aleec Harris ofUSC who set the Pac 12 record earlier in the season with a time of 13.18.  Harris finished 2^nd to Allen with the same time he led with early in the season. Arthur Delaney added the final 2 sprint points in the 200 meter dash running 20.79 for 7^th.

Other notable performances came from freshman Trayvon Bromell of Baylor who clocked in at 9.97 to win the 100 meter dash title and set a World Junior Record. Bromell defeated favorite senior Dentarious Locke of Florida State. Locke clocked in at 10.02 for 2^nd place. Texas A&M junior Deon Lendore did not break 45 seconds but still managed to win the men’s 400 title in a time of 45.02 and anchor the Texas A&M 4x400 relay to number 2 all time with a time of 2:59.60. The men’s high jump was absent James Harris of Florida State who earned the indoor title. However junior Bryan McBride of Arizona State has been solid all outdoor season and continued his success by winning the high with a mark of 7-5 ¾.

(Trayvon Bromell)

In the throwing events none of the events were claimed by seniors. Junior Sam Crouser of Oregon stood out as he was a big part in scoring vital points for the Oregon Ducks. Crouser provided the most he was allowed by earning the championship title on his last throw with a mark of 252-7 to add another 10 points to Oregon’s total.

After all that the Ducks still had not stopped scoring, junior Dakota Keys scored another 6 points by finishing 3^rd in the men’s decathlon with a point total of 8,068. Keys had a strong day 2 after sitting in 7^th place after day 1. Maicel Ubo of Georgia was the winner with a point total of 8,182 after two days of solid performances. 

Overall solid performance by the men of Oregon on their home track. They will be losing some key members to their championship team but have a great group of recruits. Next season should be awesome. 

NCAA Regional Review

NCAA Outdoor Championship Preview Post 1

With regional qualifying nearly 2 weeks ago the field has been set for the athletes who will compete at the NCAA Outdoor Championship. There are plenty of new stars and a few returning champions. The performances this season have been an amazing and it is quite possible than an NCAA record may fall.

SPRINTS/HURDLES

As always in division 1 the sprints are expected to be highly contested. With a bevy of stellar athletes to compete this year just making it to the finals is honorable. In the men’s and women’s 100 and 200 meter dash Texas A&M looks to complete a sweep of the event. The Aggies will be relying on SEC Champions Prezel Hardy and Olivia Ekpone.

Hardy a senior at Texas A&M arrived with much fanfare as the top 100 meter sprinter in high school. He was known for his killer anchor leg at the Texas High School Championship and earning the title of World Youth Champion. He has been a little bit short on individual hardware since arriving in College Station but now he has the perfect opportunity to claim the sprinting double. In the 100 top returnee and favorite, senior Dentarious Locke of Florida State looks to prove that sub 10 second performance last season was no fluke. They both will receive strong competition from true freshman Trayvon Bromell of Baylor who lit up the NCAA circuit and shocked the world with his 9.77 wind-aided performance at the Big 12 Outdoor Championship.

(Prezel Hardy)

Olivia Ekpone also arrived at Texas A&M with notoriety. Ekpone graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt in Maryland which at the time was one of the nation’s premier high school programs. The past two seasons the junior has had two sit behind her teammates. This season she pushed through and marched her way to the top. At the SEC Outdoor Championship she completed a double winning the 100 and 200, and running one of the fastest times in NCAA history in the 200 with a time of 22.23. In the field with her will be hometown favorite Jenny Prandini of Oregon and top ranked sprinter Ramona Burchell of Alabama. Burchell has the top time in the NCAA with a time of 11.03 and claimed the NCAA indoor title in the 60 meter dash.

(Olivia Ekpone)

The 400 an ever growing event has some real international level talent. On the men’s side you have Arman Hall of Florida, Deon Lendore of Texas A&M by way of Trinidad and Tobago, Bralon Taplin of Texas A&M by way of Grenada, Brycen Spratling of Pittsburgh, Hugh Graham of Florida and Mike Berry of Oregon. All men listed have earned the title of NCAA All-American in this event in previous years. This season however Lendore has dominated the event without earning a single loss. Lendore is currently ranked among the top 5 400 runners in the world with his NCAA leading time of 44.36. His top challenger of the past season has Hall of Florida. Hall suffered an injury at the SEC championships and is trying to round himself back into shape. The task may be too tough as Lendore looks at the solid choice for the tile.

On the women’s side Texas has not skipped a beat in this event. Since former coach Beverly Kearney’s arrival she has done an amazing job of making Texas the 400 meter University of the NCAA for women sprinters. This season new women’s sprint coach is Olympic Silver Medalist in the 400 hurdles, Tonja Buford Bailey. She has possibly taken the program to new heights with the recent performances of her athletes. Bailey has three athletes capable of running 50 seconds, defending champion Ashley Spencer, Courtney Okolo and true freshman Kendall Baisden. With the talent Texas has they are certainly capable of a 1-2-3 sweep. 

(Phyllis Francis)

Senior Brianna Nelson also of Texas is no slouch either and proves the solid depth that Texas has. Oregon star Phyllis Francis seems to be the only challenger to this solid group of runners. Francis claimed the indoor title with a NCAA record of 50.46. Francis has yet to run 50 seconds this outdoor season and Okolo has almost broken the 50 second barrier with her NCAA leading time of 50.03. With all the star power in this reason it is clear to claim the title it will require a 49 second performance.

The 110 meter hurdles was once a rivalry event between Wayne Davis of Texas A&M and Eddie Lovett of Florida. Both hurdlers are obvious leaders and catalyst to the rivalry between the two programs over the past few years. Joining the conversation this season is new Pac-12 record holder Aleec Harris of USC and freshman Devon Allen of Oregon. Harris claimed the top time in the country at the Pac-12 meet with a time of 13.18. His time is one of the best in NCAA history and sky-rocketed him to the position of favorite.

(Aleec Harris)

Sharika Nelvis of Arkansas State is the big name in the women’s 100 hurdles. Nelvis claimed the NCAA Indoor title and is top returnee from last outdoor season. Nelvis a nationally ranked 100 meter sprinter is one of the many rising stars in this event. Bridgette Owens of Florida, Jasmin Stowers of LSU and Kendra Harrison of Kentucky will challenge her for the crown.

Harrison of Kentucky will also look to earn a title in the women’s 400 hurdles completing the hurdles double. Harrison is the only athlete in the field to have run 54 seconds. Janeil Bellille of Texas A&M and her teammate freshman Shamier Little will again be a strong challenge to the talented Wildcat. Little one of the nation’s best 400 runners is still learning to transition her amazing speed into great hurdling.

On the men’s side this event has not been as competitive as in years past. None of the top athletes have yet to run 48 seconds in the 400 hurdles this season. Michael Stigler of Kansas is the favorite to win as the top returnee along with Nebraska senior Miles Ukaoma. Ukaoma leads a group of four athletes in this event for the Cornhuskers and looks to continue their tradition of great hurdlers.

Relay Predictions

4x100 Relay Men: Texas A&M   4X100 Relay Women: Texas A&M

4X400 Relay Men: Florida           4x400 Relay Women: Texas

NEXT POST: DISTANCE 

Championship Weekend Recap

What a great weekend for fans of collegiate track and field. Each of the major conferences had some amazing performances and the smaller mid-major conferences had some stellar marks as well. Let's take a look at the two top programs this weekend.

(Prezel Hardy-Texas A&M)

TEXAS A&M IS THE REAL NUMBER 1

This past weekend at the SEC Outdoor Championship the men of Texas A&M had an opportunity to seize the number 1 ranking from the University of Florida. After a dominating performance at the Texas Relays which saw Florida take both sprint relays, Texas A&M has been looking for an opportunity to flex their muscle. This past weekend they did just that.

The weather definitely a bit too cold for majority of the southern schools. The meet lost some valuable competitors to cramps and strains. Texas A&M would still weather the storm with a dominating weekend. They got things started right by winning the 4x100 relay and setting a new meet record. The top ranked team Florida was without star runner Arman Hall who succumb to cramps on Friday. The Gators still ran a great time of 38.68 to finish third.

The Aggies would continue their sprint domination by claiming the 100 and 200 by Prezel Hardy and the 400 with Deon Lendore. In the 100 and 200 teammate Shavez Hart also claimed runner up honors in both races. Top ranked Dedric Dukes of Florida who is still the only sub 20 second runner of the season in the 200 finished third, while top 100 runner Diondre Batson of Alabama also injured himself Friday in the prelims of the 200.

With Arman Hall the 4x400 relay was certainly in doubt for the Gators. True freshman Nick Uruburu who qualified as the only freshman runner in the 400 meter final, took over relay duties. Texas A&M seemed to be too much thanks in part to a powerful anchor leg by Deon Lendore. Lendore completed a solid weekend running a powerful anchor leg. Earlier in the meet he clocked a time of 44.36 to break a school record and finish number 2 in the world behind Lashawn Merritt.

In the hurdles Wayne Davis continued his phenomenal outdoor season running a time of 13.23 against a solid field. His rival Eddie Lovett of Florida was a distance third clocking in at 13.58. Teammate Greg Coleman was the only athlete under 50 seconds in the men's 400 hurdles. Coleman won the race in a time of 49.88 a personal best and facility record.

Heading into this week expect for the rankings to change. Florida although short handed still seemed to lack the fire necessary to compete against A&M. This is now two championship meets in a row where the Gators showed little intensity. Look for the Gators to get things right for the NCAA Championship in early June.

(Courtney Okolo-NCAA 400 Record Holder)

HOOK 'EM LADY LONGHORNS!

Beverly Kearney was one of the best coaches NCAA history. She led the Lady Longhorns to three outdoor national titles and multiple conference championships. You would expect for there to be a major decline in production and development at the University of Texas until the foundation under the new regime would be built. That was not the case at Texas, Mario Santegna has returned Texas to the top of the NCAA landscape and looks to keep them there for the foreseeable future. This past weekend was proof that the program is in good hands and women's sprint Tonja Buford-Bailey is one of the best.

When you think of the 400 in women's collegiate sprinting the first school that comes to your mind is Texas. Beverly Kearney did such a great job of recruiting and developing 400 runners she was able to win multiple national titles in the 4x400 relay and open 400. The school is responsible for the most recognizable American female 400 runner Sanya Richards-Ross. Buford-Bailey is an Olympic medalist in the 400 hurdles and also knows quite a bit about the 400.

The Longhorns went 1-2-3 in the event and that is not the impressive stat. They went 1-2-3 without defending national champion Ashley Spencer and that too is not the impressive stat. Courtney Okolo had the most impressive stat of the group clocking in at 50.03 to win the event and claim a new NCAA collegiate record. True freshman Kendall Baisden finished 2nd with a time of 50.46. Her freshman time was faster than that of Richards-Ross. Senior Brianna Nelson finished 3rd with a time of 51.22.

In the short sprints their Texas had sophomore transfer Morolake Akinosun just simply dominate. Although wind-aided her times were quite impressive, 10.96 in the 100 meters and 22.17 in the 200 meters. Ashley Spencer also competed in both events finishing 5th in the 200 and 6th in the 100. Spencer also anchored the winning 4x100 relay in a time of 43.54 with Baisden, Okolo and Akinosun.

Senior hurdler Danielle Dowie of Texas earned her 2nd conference title in the women's 400 hurdles with a time of 56.62. Sophomore teammate Melissa Gonzalez added valuable team points in the event as well finishing 4th with a time of 58.39.

In the distance events Marielle Hall added another championship title to the many victories earned by Texas. Her performance in the women's 1,500 was 8 seconds ahead of the runner up and a new stadium record with a time of 4:20.82.

In the field events senior Shanay Briscoe was literally an everyday performer. Briscoe competed in both the heptathlon and women's high jump finishing 4th in the heptathlon and winning another high jump title to add 15 points to the team total. Fellow jumper in the pole vault Kaitlin Petrillose continued her record season for the Lady Longhorns claimed the event title with a mark of 14-6 a new conference and meet record. Her mark was more than a foot higher than the runner up.


The Longhorns performance over the weekend vaulted them to the top of NCAA rankings surpassing Florida. We enter phase 2 of the championship season heading into the regional preliminaries the following week. Expect more of the same for both programs heading the NCAA Outdoor Championship.

LSU Invitational Review

(Wayne Davis)

This past weekend a great scored meet was had at Bernie Moore Stadium hosted by LSU. The teams competing consisted of Florida, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Miami and host LSU. It is now becoming increasingly more popular to compete in dual meets and scored competitions early in the season. Florida and Texas A&M have their men and women ranked in the top 10. The competition brought out some very good marks.


WAYNE DAVIS...alone at the top

This outdoor season Wayne Davis of Texas A&M has again staked his claim as the best collegiate high hurdler during the outdoor season. The past few seasons during the indoor season Eddie Lovett of Florida has gotten the better of him. Davis continues to beat him however in the outdoors. This past weekend Davis clearly brought his A game dominating the field to a time of 13.24 (wind-aided). Lovett clearly was not himself finishing in a distance fourth in a time of 13.94.



AARON ERNEST COMING BACK

Aaron Ernest of LSU broke through last outdoor season earning All-American honors indoors and out running the 200 meters. His slim medium height build was the perfect body for a 200 meter runner. This past indoor season Ernest was absent due to injury. He has a slow and steady climb back but the past weekend Ernest climb back to the top and in the championship discussion with a time of 20.14. His performance currently seats him 2nd in the nation behind Dedric Dukes of Florida who he beat. Ernest a junior proved with that race he is capable of winning a national title.



BREWER TAKES FLIGHT

Junior Ciarra Brewer of Florida had a rough ending to her indoor season. Heading into the NCAA Indoor Championship Brewer was practically declared the winner of the triple jump or at worst the runner up before the meet even started. Unfortunately for Brewer that would not happen, Brewer did not even earn All-American honors by not scoring at all. She began the outdoor season a few weeks ago at the Tom Jones Memorial. In her first outing of the season Brewer earned SEC Field Athlete of the Week honors for her Triple Jump performance where she eclipsed 43 feet. She followed that performance up with a mark of  44-6 3/4 to claim the title at the LSU invitational. Her performance catapulted her to the number 2 mark in the country and number 1 mark in the SEC.


UP NEXT...

The regular season is coming to a close this weekend. Next weekend starts the championship post season with conference championship weekend. Currently as of today May 6, 2014 the University of Florida is ranked number 1 in both men's and women's poll. I believe Florida has learned there lesson after a disastrous ending to the indoor season. They know they'll need to be focused and passionate about winning to claim the title both in conference and at the NCAA Outdoor Championship.

Penn Relays Review

This past weekend many track and field fans were treated to the greatest Track and Field event on American soil known as the Penn Relays. This three day carnival is a spectacle to see with the many relay competitions. Each level of track and field takes the spotlight as over 100,000 fans arrive for the three day event. Let's review some of the best moments at the meet.


UTECH DOMINATES THE SHORT SPRINTS

Until 2012 no Jamaican University was able to win any relay event at the Penn Relays. In 2012 the claimed the 4x200 relay and then in 2013 they claimed the 4x100 relay. This year in 2014 UTech took both events in domineering fashion proving that Jamaica is here to stay and for now has taken the top spot from the United States. The men's 4x100 relay nearly broke the record held by TCU by clocking in at 38.72 and the 4x200 almost went under 1:20 with a time of 1:20.07.


TEXAS A&M AGAIN



Pat Henry has continued his relay success he had at LSU at Texas A&M. The lady Aggies have become a dominant power in the collegiate sprinting world in the relays. This past weekend Texas A&M claimed there 6th straight title in the 4x100 relay. Their total of 6 victories is now half of the total LSU has earned, most of which former coach Pat Henry. They also earned the 6th victory in the 4x200 relay albeit not consecutive. The clocked stopped at 1:30.21 just barely ahead of rival Texas who was second in 1:30.26. The race was turned on the second exchange when Texas third leg Briana Nelson left a little too early. Texas A&M gained the lead with Olivia Ekpone running a strong third leg and Kamaria Brown running an equally strong anchor leg.


VICTORY NUMBER 11!

The University of Texas has been long known for the dominance in the women's 4x400 relay and open 400 running. Since Beverly Kearney arrived in the early 90's the Texas Longhorns have won a total of 10 titles at the Penn Relays. This year under new sprint coach Tonja Buford-Bailey they returned to their winning ways in dominating fashion with a time of 3:25.05 a Penn Relay Record. The Longhorns had a great start from Briana Nelson who led with a time of 52.1. Second leg Courtney Okolo broke the race open with a split of 49.7, while true freshman Kendal Baisden split 52.5 and anchor Ashley Spencer ran 50.6. Only one runner of this group is a senior and that would be Nelson, look for the Lady Longhorns to return to their winning ways in this event.


DUCKS DOUBLE

The Oregon Duck men are still riding high after their NCAA Indoor title. This outdoor season they gotten off to a great start with top performances all over the track which has earned them their number 1 ranking. The Ducks stretched their distance muscles yet again by claiming the Distance Medley Relay and The 4xMile relay. It's their 3rd victory in the 4xMile and 2nd in the DMR. In the 4xMile Oregon had an early strong lead thanks in part to true freshman Edward Cheserek who split 3:56.4. Anchor Mac Fleet who had a sizable lead when he received the stick still ran a great split of 4:00.4 nearly breaking the 4 minute barrier without any competition. Cheserek also ran a strong anchor leg in the DMR with a split of 3:57, while senior teammate Eric Berry ran the 400 leg with a split of 44.7.


NUMBER 20!!

Villanova is located in the great state of Pennsylvania and since their arrival at the Penn Relays they have become perhaps the most historical dominant program. In practically every event aside from the short sprint relays Villanova has a large winning history. They have more all time wins than any program in the 4x400, 4x800, Distance Medley Relay and the Sprint Medley Relay. One of their best events in the 4x800 relay, which prior to this year they have won 19 times. The only programs within reach are Michigan, Georgetown and Penn who are all tied with 10. The dominance would continue this year with their 20th victory clocking in at 7:16.58. Anchor Samuel Ellison had the top split with 1:46.5 to lead a total of 3 men who split under 1:50.

It was another great meet this year and 2015 should be even better.


Up Next:  LSU Alumni Gold

Weekend Review

This past weekend started the first major conference championship and the final weekend before the Penn Relays, the world’s greatest relay carnival. There were plenty of great performances this weekend at Mt Sac Relays that will begin our highlight.

-OREGON WOMEN TAKING FLIGHT-

To dispel any rumors that the Lady Ducks were an indoor team only the Lady Ducks put on quite a show at the Mt Sac Relays in the sprints and distance races.

Jenna Prandini and Phyllis Francis are two headliners looking for individual championship hardware. Prandini got one step closer with a national leading time of 11.11 in the women’s 100 to defeat last year’s NCAA Champion English Gardner and indoor champion Ramona Burchell of Alabama. Her teammate Francis set an American Indoor record in the women’s 400 and got off to strong start to beat a group of professionals as well as collegians with a time of 51.57. They both combined to compete in the 4x100 relay were the Ducks ran a national leading time of 43.32.

In the 800 the Ducks showed they are more than a one girl wrecking crew. Laura Roesler is the top half miler in the NCAA and more than proved that this weekend by clocking in at 2:00.54 to lead a 1-2 finish at the Mt. Sac Relays. Her teammate and fellow senior Samantha Murphy followed behind her with a time of 2:02.61 that currently ranks her 2^nd in the NCAA. Talented sophomore Annie LeBlanc also finished in the top 8 with a time of 2:04.28. Their performance at the Mt. Sac Relays is an indication that Oregon is a real threat to win the NCAA Outdoor title as well.

-FLORIDA STATE MEN WIN….AGAIN-

The Florida State men’s program has proven time and time again that the ACC has become just another meet. Since 2002 Florida State has won 11 titles. They have been able to be some dominant with great sprinting, distance running, jumping and throwing. They are well balanced program and displayed why they are a top 5 team again this season. However the championship meet was still a fight against host North Carolina.

The sprints are what Florida State has been internationally known for. The bulk of their success comes in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. With great past sprinters such as Walter Dix, Charles Clark, Maurice Mitchell and Ricardo Chambers all of whom have won an NCAA title, no wonder why the world has taken notice.

Dentarious Locke is the latest sprint prodigy out of Florida State. Locke finished in a clock 2^nd last season at the NCAA outdoor meet while still finding a way under 10 seconds. This indoor season he proved that he was championship material by winning the indoor 60 meter title in a time of 6.52 seconds. He carried that success to the ACC Championship meet this past weekend with a winning 100 meter time of 10.16 in cold conditions.

In the 200 Locke provided valuable team points finishing third while Pittsburg Carvin Nkanata successfully defended his title with a time of 20.47. Locke also contributed his talents to Florida State in the relays running the third 3^rd leg of the 4x400 relay and the 2^nd leg of 4x100 relay with his team winning the latter and finishing third in the former. All in all Locke contributed a total of 32 points over the weekend.

Another athlete that provided valuable points was James Harris. Harris is an all-around excellent athlete with great speed and athleticism. Harris can run an open low 45 second 400 while jump well over 7 feet. Harris claimed the NCAA Indoor title and looked to begin a successful outdoor championship season this past weekend. Harris was able to claim the high jump title in 7 feet 1 inch. He participated in both relays running the anchor leg. Harris was not done there, he step down in events running the 200 meter dash where he finish 4^th behind his team Locke. Harris himself contributed a total of 31 points.

New transfer Oxniel Texiera claimed the 800 meter title for Seminoles running a time of 1:51.39 after running a 1:49 preliminary race to help add 10 points to the teams overall total.

Both programs will be at the greatest relay carnival in the world this weekend, the PENN RELAYS. Both programs have proven their ranking and are in serious title contention status. 

NCAA Indoor Championship Review

(OREGON MEN'S AND WOMEN'S NCAA INDOOR CHAMPS)

This past weekend the NCAA Indoor Championship concluded the end of the indoor track season. Today officially began the outdoor season. Not all major college programs compete during the indoor season however there is enough to make the competition great.

Heading into the championship meet the talk of the track world was the University of Florida. Both the men and the women headed into the championship ranked number 1 in the country coming off a very successful SEC Championship. The men had several athletes qualify in high positions as well as the women. However unfortunately for the Gators they would not finish at the top.

In the sprints and hurdles no one program dominated. There were many surprise victories such as freshman Omar McLeod of Arkansas by way of Jamaica in the 60 meter hurdles. Eddie Lovett entered the meet as the top guy, he was the defending champion and meet record holder. He did little to dispel the expectations of him defending his title after an excellent semi-final round. In the final McLeod brought his "A" game clipping Lovett at the line to win in 7.57.

Remona Burchell of Alabama was another surprise winning the 60 meter dash, she too by way of Jamaica. Heading into the meet Dezerea Bryant of Kentucky was the favorite to win the title after dominating at the SEC meet two weeks earlier. Bryant even claimed the 200 meter dash national title in 22.69 on the first dayu of the Championship meet. The expectation was that she would double. Burchell was in the same field and lost to Bryant. At the championship meet she left all the feelings and emotions from that last race in the past. Burchell blasted off to a 7.11, top 10 all-time in college.

The men's and women's 400 was a battle of titans. In the men's 400 Deon Lendore of Texas A&M and Arman (Gino) Hall continued their rivalry with Lendore claiming the NCAA Indoor title in a time of 45.21. Hall seemed to struggle in the semi-final but was able to regain his form and finished 3rd overall in the finals. Vernon Norwood of LSU won a previous heat and based on time finished 2nd overall. 

On the women's side Texas brought three young women into the finals. Ashley Spencer the defending outdoor champion, Courtney Okolo and true freshman Kendall Baisden. Spencer ran a great race but was only capable of 2nd place overall. Senior Phyllis Francis of Oregon, a tall and lanky sprinter had only ran the 400 once during the season. However she seemed to be in perfect shape by running the number 1 time in the country in the semi-finals. She bettered that performance in the finals by setting an American and Collegiate record in the 400 by running 50.46. 

(Phyllis Francis-Oregon)

The Oregon women received big team points in the women's 800 from Laura Roesler. Roesler spent the entire indoor season at the top of the rankings. Roesler dominated a competitive field to win in 2:03.85. In the men's middle distance the Oregon men claimed big points as well. Senior Mac Fleet garnered 6 points for the team by finishing third in the men's mile. . 

Before the meet Lalang was attempting to win three events, something never done before at the NCAA meet. Lalang was listed in the mile, 3,000 and 5,000 meter race. In the 5,000 on day one of his quest for the triple ended swiftly and shockingly. Edward Cheserek the nation's premier distance runner in high school in 2013 pulled away from Lalang in the last part of the race with strong finishing kick. The freshman from Oregon allowed for Lalang to dominate the race early on and make a great move at the end of the race. Chesrek's teammate Parker Stinson finished 3rd to give Oregon a total 16 points in the event. In the 3,000 Lalang would drop out after finishing second in the men on day two. Cheserek still had more to give by defeating Kirubel Erassa of Oklahoma State in the event. Along with Trevor Dunbar the Oregon men scored a combined 14 points in the event. 

Abby D'Agostino of Dartmouth has had quite a career. D'Agostino is the defending champion at both 3,000 and 5,000 meter races. She would not disappoint by winning both events to defend her titles. Her 5,000 meter victory was met with a little bit of drama. Early in the race true freshman Erin Finn took the race out hard. Finn led for majority of the race and at one point had over a 100 meter lead on the rest of the field. Finn's experience would prove disastrous as the senior reeled her in each lap towards the later part of the race to claim her victory. 

In the field events Texas sophomore Kaitlin Petrillose broke the collegiate record in the pole vault once held by Tina Sutej of Arkansas. Perillose was the only athlete in the field to surpass 15 feet and had three decent attempts at 15-5 1/2. She almost was an early out at 14-7 1/4, but was able to clear the bar on her third attempt. 

In the men's long jump sophomore Jarrion Lawson from Arkansas stunned the entire crowd with an amazing final jump of 27-6 1/2. For much of the competition junior Corey Crawford from Rutgers and son of ESPN broadcaster Jay Crawford led. Crawford's 26-3 1/2 led from the 3rd jump on. Lawson's final jump was obviously a big one and will place him in the top 5 all time in collegiate indoor jumps. 

James Harris from Florida State also had a big performance in the men's high jump. Harris was the only athlete capable of 7-7 which he did on his first attempt. Harris also had three great attempts at the NCAA record of 7-9 but missed on all three attempts. 

The triple jump continues to be a growing event at the NCAA. However San Diego State senior Shaneika Thomas is the only growing in the event. The career All-American and Champion proved why she was the best dominating the triple jump competition at the NCAA meet with a mark of 45-10. She was almost nearly 2 feet ahead of 2nd place. 

A new star was born in the women's pentathlon and her name was Kendal Williams of Georgia. Although Williams was the top high school heptathlete and pentathlete last indoor and outdoor season as a high school athlete. She had never competed in the NCAA against top ranked Erica Bougard of Mississippi State who defeated Williams at the SEC Championships. Williams brought her "A" game finishing first in three of the five events earning her enough points to claim the overall title. 


The team standings were greatly affected by the shocking performances both good and bad. In the 4x400 relay Florida and Texas A&M were both disqualified after an altercation in the race. This allowed Oregon to secure 6th place in the race and score 3 valuable team points. LSU stayed out of the frey with early strong first leg to win the men's 4x400 relay with a time of 3:04.01. Oregon would go on to win the national title in dominating fashion. 

The women's 4x400 relay ended with more excitement. There was three teams competing for the national title, Florida, Oregon and Texas. Which ever team won the event would win the national title. Florida seemed out of it from the second leg on after Destinee Gause went out a little too fast. Texas overtook the lead and seemed to be headed towards a national title. However in the final leg champion Phyllis Francis reeled in Ashley Spencer in the final 10 meters to claim the title and a new indoor collegiate record with a time of 3:27.40. The victory secured a 5th straight title for the Oregon Lady Ducks and strong positive momentum heading into the outdoor season. 

SEC Indoor Preview (Men)

(Arkansas-2013 Indoor SEC/NCAA Champions)

The SEC is always the most talked about conference in the country. The most talked about topic in regards to the conference is the speed. The same is said about the track programs, the sprinters are world class. However the sprinters are the only fast athletes on the track there are also world class distance runners who seem to amaze on the international scene year in and year out. This year maybe one of the best yet.


SPRINTS

As usual we will start off talking about the sprinters. In the SEC making it to the conference final is just as challenging as in the NCAA Championship. This conference lost two studs in Isaiah Young of Ole Miss and Ameer Webb of Texas A&M. However the returning and entering talent is un-matched anywhere in the country.

In the 60 meter dash we have the returning champion Markesh Woodson of Missouri. Woodson a talented freshman last season blazed a star studded field to clock in at 6.60. He faces a strong field of qualified competitors. From Florida Hugh Graham and Antwan Wright, Texas A&M Prezel Hardy and LSU Aaron Ernest. The challenge many of his competitors will have to face is being able to compete with Woodson's fast start. Woodson too will have to make adjustments this season with a new coach in Carjay Lyles.

Ernest of LSU is the returning champion in the 200 meter dash and had a stellar season which also resulted in All-American honors. Ernest blazed the track last indoor season to the time of 20.53. Now a junior Ernest looks to build on SEC success to possibly claiming the national title. Dedric Dukes of Florida and Hardy of Texas A&M will look to challenge him for the title.

The 400 is perhaps the deepest event on the track. Returning are two athletes who competed at the World Championships this past summer in Russia. Defending champion Deon Lendore of Texas A&M by way of Trinidad and Tobago and Arman Hall of Florida competing for Team USA. Both athletes have gone under 45 seconds outdoors. Joining Hall is teammates Najee Glass and Hugh Graham. With Lendore will be Aldrich Bailey to help make this the deepest event in the conference.

The hurdles returns both NCAA Champions from last season. Eddie Lovett from Florida was the indoor champion in the 60 meter hurdles while Wayne Davis of Texas A&M is the outdoor defending champion in the 110 hurdles. Lovett has the better start with Davis the better finish. Davis can rest confidently in knowing that he can defeat Lovett. Expect for Lovett to defend his title and improve on his outdoor finish as well.


DISTANCE

Arkansas, Arkansas and yes more Arkansas. That is what distance has been about in this conference. It is difficult for other programs to compare when you have the winningest track and field program in your conference primarily due to the distance program. This season is no exception with a bevy of talented returnees.They will still find challenge from conference foe Florida.

In the 800 Florida returns two impressive performers. Defending champion Sean Obinwa and Ryan Schnulle. Joining them will be the nation's top 800 runner from high school last season Andres Arroyo and Alabama High School Champion Donnie Lee. The Gators have put together quite a mid-distance group and will be looking to advance all four to the finals in the 800. Charles Gethren of Georgia and Thomas Squella of Arkansas are also threats to claim the title in the event.

In the men's mile Arkansas seems to be the team with the most talent. Arkansas returns 2 All-SEC performers in the event. Patrick Rono and Kemoy Campbell. Arkansas also has enough talent and depth to add to both Rono and Campbell. However both will have to contend with defending champion Matt Hillenbrand of Kentucky.

In the 3,000 and 5,000 it looks to be more of Arkansas. Henry Lelei of Texas A&M was a dominant figue in the conference last season winning both events at the Indoor Championships. Stanley Kebeni of Arkansas steps into that role this season as the top returnee in both events after finishing 2nd to Lelei at the last indoor championships. Kebeni will be joined by teammates Campbell and Solomon Haile.



FIELD EVENTS

In the field events, yes there is more Arkansas here as well. In the High Jump top returnee Anthony May is expected to earn big points not just in the high jump but in the triple jump as well. Teammate Noah Kettleson is also a returning All-SEC high jumper and will look to help May complete a 1-2 punch.

In the Pole Vault Arkansas has the benefit of having the defending champion on their side in Andrew Irwin. Irwin had a stellar season in 2013 and looks to translate that same success over to 2014. Jake Blaneship of Tennessee looks to represent that proud Tennessee tradition which has produced so many great pole vaulters.

The Long Jump and triple jump has historically been solid for Arkansas. There have been many NCAA Champions to come out of this great program. This year they will have to thwart off Florida's ace in Marquis Dendy the defending champion in the long jump and top returnee in the triple jump. Even if Arkansas is not able to take Dendy off the top spot. Arkansas still has quite a group of athletes able to score big points, Jarrion Lawson, Raymond Higgs and May.

In the throwing events only one champion returns, Stephen Saenz of Auburn in the men's shot put. Saenz who competes for Mexico is also an NCAA All-American from last season. He has double duty fighting off to great returnees from Georgia in Caleb Whitener and Nick Vena. Saenz also a returnee in the weight throw looks to claim the title over top returnee Elias Hakansson of Alabama.

In the multi-event competition Georgia brings a full house load of talent. They return three of the top 4 heptathletes from last season including defending champion Garrett Scantling. Teammates Maicel Ubo and Devon Williams look to help make it a 1-2-3 sweep this time around. They will have to fight off Arkansas top man in Nathanel Franks. Scantling finished at the top in nearly every event last indoor season and will to do much of the same to claim the title this time around.


TEAM BATTLE

Florida returns a very potent team which is the reason for their number 2 ranking. However Arkansas was ranked number 1 for a reason. This season they have may not have as much sprint power but they have serious depth in every other area and will still field two great relays. I believe Arkansas will claim the SEC Indoor title.

Weekend Review Top 5

This past weekend was the first big weekend of the collegiate Indoor Track and Field season. Many students have returned to school and athletes have had time to practice and prepare. There were plenty of outstanding and notable performances. In this post we will look at the top five performances of the weekend.


5. Victoria Voronko (Eastern Michigan)

This past friday at Bowen Fieldhouse Victoria Voronko had two stellar performances in the 800 and 1,600. Both races Voronko was more than superior to her competition. In the mile (although converted to flat surface) she won her race by more than 15 seconds. Her time of 4:44.31 currently ranks early number 1 in the women's mile. Her 800 time will convert to 2:11.26 ranking her 9th early this indoor season. Voronko is the next in line to carry the torch of great Eastern Michigan distance runners.

(Victoria Voronko)

4. Corey McGee (Florida)

Corey McGee has had an excellent career at the University of Florida. McGee has earned multiple All-American honors and SEC titles. She did well enough last outdoor season to make team USA in the women's 1,500 competing at the World Championships in Russia. She got started early this season competing in the women's 800 at the UAB invitational. McGee dominated her race winning my more than three seconds with a time of 2:07.47. Her time places her number 1 in the country in the event. The 800 not her specialty however this does show McGee has great foot speed and as the runner up last outdoor season maybe the front runner to win the mile this indoor season.

(Corey McGee)

3. Leshon Collins (Houston)

Collins has unfortunately had to wait in the shadows at the University of Houston behind a talented freshman in Cameron Burrell. Collins clearly made the decision to let his performance speak for itself. Collins has gotten off to a rocket start this season clocking in at 6.60 this past weekend at the Houston Indoor Opener. His performance was especially notable since it was against an entire field of professional world class sprinters such as Olympic Relay Gold Medalist Trell Kimmons and former Houston sprinter Ivory Williams. Although it is early in the season Collins with his short stature and powerful legs is easy threat to claim the 60 meter title at the Indoor Championships

(Leshon Collins)

2. Demoye Bogle (Ohio State)

Senior Demoye Bogle has been a household name in the Big Ten and nationally in the hurdles specifically the 60 meter hurdles. Bogle a native of Jamaica has shown to have serious sprint speed and has used that to his advantage competing in the Big Ten against other hurdlers. A nationally recognized hurdler since his sophomore year Bogle continues to impress. At the Ohio State Buckeye Classic Bogle got things started early this season with an impressive 7.65. That time places him number 1 in the nation and until about mid-season he main remain there. He will have an opportunity against the defending indoor champion in Eddie Lovett of Florida at the Rod McCrary invitational in Kentucky.

(Demoye Bogle)

1. Florida Men's 4x400 Relay

The old saying used to be there are few guarantees in life, death, taxes and Baylor in the 4x400 relay. That has since changed. Since the retiring of Clyde Hart as the full time head coach at Baylor there has been a slight drop off in 400 meter talent more specifically the 4x400 relay. Florida has stepped to the fore front. Struggling for many years sitting in Baylor's rear-view, Mike Holloway now has a very strong core of 400 runners. The Gators have remained ranked in the top 5 every year since 2008. This year is no different. The Gators scorched the track at the UAB invitational clocking in at 3:06.11 a new meet record. Perhaps the most impressive stat is the team was without 200 meter specialist Dedric Dukes. The NCAA record which Arkansas broke last indoor season previously held by the Gators is perhaps still in danger this season.

(Arman Hall and Najee Glass of Florida's 4x400)